John Pennekamp Coral Reef State ParkAbout John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a Florida State Park located on Key Largo in the Florida Keys and was designated in 1963 as the first undersea park in the United States. It protects offshore coral reefs and adjacent coastal habitats that are part of the Florida Reef Tract.
Established by the state in 1963 to protect remaining nearshore coral reef habitat and to provide managed public access, the park has since been a focal point for reef education and recreation in the Keys. Management has balanced recreational use with conservation of coral and mangrove communities.
The park is located on Key Largo in Monroe County, in the upper Florida Keys, within the broader Florida Reef ecosystem and reachable by road from the mainland via the Overseas Highway.
- Founding and purpose: Designated in 1963 as the first undersea park in the United States, it protects nearshore coral reef ecosystems and provides public access for snorkeling and diving.
- Activities and facilities: Glass-bottom boat tours and snorkel trips operate from the park marina, and the onshore visitor center maintains aquaria and exhibits about reef ecology.
What to See#
- Shoreline and Visitor Center: Shallow shoreline areas, mangrove edges and a land-based nature trail system that showcase local coastal habitats and an on-site visitor center aquarium with interpretive displays.
- Offshore reef areas: Offshore coral reef zones that form part of the Florida Reef Tract and begin a short distance from shore; these are reached by park boat launches for snorkeling, diving, and glass-bottom boat tours.
Nearby Attractions to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Best Time to Visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Late fall through early spring is the best time for clear water and comfortable marine conditions; book marine excursions ahead of time.
Weather & Climate near John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 16°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1248 mm/year), wettest in June.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 17° - 24° | 20° | 49 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 17° - 24° | 20° | 45 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 18° - 26° | 22° | 44 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 20° - 27° | 24° | 57 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 22° - 29° | 26° | 133 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 24° - 31° | 27° | 217 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 25° - 32° | 28° | 118 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 25° - 32° | 28° | 153 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 24° - 31° | 28° | 184 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 23° - 29° | 26° | 148 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 21° - 27° | 24° | 64 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 18° - 25° | 21° | 36 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
The park is on Key Largo at Mile Marker 102.5 on the Overseas Highway (US-1). From Miami it is about an hour’s drive; from the south or north, follow US-1 and look for signs for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The park has a designated visitor center and marina with paid parking; boats and tour operators operate from the park marina.
Tips for Visiting John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
- Book glass-bottom boat tours or snorkeling trips in advance, especially on weekends and holidays.
- The visitor center and aquarium are worth a quick stop before heading out on a boat; they explain reef rules and safety.
- If interested in snorkeling, bring reef-safe sunscreen; boat operators will brief on protected zones and permit rules.